VIDBE-Q Volume 65 Issue 4
Transition programs. These strategies do not replace the benefits of face-to-face,
in-person interactions and relationships, but they show how our society can be
resilient, flexible, adaptable, and successful despite adversity and challenging
circumstances.
Being with friends was the one thing students consistently reported missing
most about not being at school, so in order to keep them engaged and motivated,
we brought them together! What was once an incredible hindrance for individuals
with visual impairments to be able to socialize was suddenly a non-issue:
transportation! Using a video conference platform, those with video capability
could see their friends and peers and interact without having to travel. Students
without a computer or tablet could use a phone to dial into the platform to
communicate with peers. Some students who did not participate in past
programming were more likely to attend virtual sessions. They became more social
and interacted with peers on a more age-appropriate level.
Capturing short attention spans is one thing, but keeping them is another! In
order to keep students interested and returning to lessons or activities, an incentive
program was created. Teachers used the "Transition eRewards Points Program and
Store" to encourage students to show up to lessons and activities early and on time,
remain engaged, actively participate, and work independently. After several weeks
of instruction, the eRewards Store was open for online ordering. Students received
